Laterally Tilting Treadmill Deck Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treadmills lack the ability to simulate real-world terrain variations, including inclines, declines, and lateral tilts, which can make workouts less engaging and less effective in mimicking outdoor running experiences.
Innovation Solution
A treadmill with a running deck that can longitudinally incline and laterally tilt, supported by a chassis connected to a central axle and base, utilizing actuators to adjust the deck's orientation in response to commands, while a processor and memory system executes programmed instructions to simulate real-world routes by modifying the deck's slope and tilt angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional treadmills use a fixed running deck, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to simulate real-world terrain is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The running deck is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one capable of multiple movements. The deck can incline longitudinally through a first actuator, decline through a second actuator, and tilt laterally through a third actuator. This dynamic capability allows the treadmill to simulate various real-world terrain conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The terrain simulation function is divided into three independent segments: longitudinal incline control, lateral tilt control, and longitudinal decline control. Each segment has its own actuator and control mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of each terrain parameter. This segmentation enables versatile terrain simulation without requiring a completely complex restructured system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the running deck is made stationary, then the stability is high, but the ability to create immersive workout experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The deck transitions from a static to a dynamically adjustable structure. Three actuators enable the deck to incline, tilt, and decline in a controlled manner. These movements are smooth and controlled, maintaining stability during operation while providing terrain simulation capabilities that create an immersive workout experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are added to enable incline and tilt functions, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terrain simulation capability is segmented into three independent functions, each controlled by a dedicated actuator: longitudinal incline (first actuator), lateral tilt (third actuator), and longitudinal decline (second actuator). This segmentation allows each actuator to perform a specific function efficiently, reducing the overall system complexity compared to using a single multi-functional mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator serves multiple purposes: they not only adjust the deck orientation for terrain simulation but also work in coordination to maintain deck stability and support user weight during dynamic movements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A treadmill includes a running deck. The running deck includes a front portion, a rear portion connected to the front portion by a first side and a second side, a tread belt surrounding the front portion and the rear portion, a motor to drive movement of the tread belt, and an actuator that cause the running deck to tilt laterally towards either the first side or the second side to form a lateral tilt angle in response to a tilt command.